We have entered the season of the year where autumn decor begins to unveil (much too early!) in stores, kids are heading back to school, and the lingering thought of the holidays and every unfinished project begins to flood our minds. Even the idea of the empty basement that has been used as a conglomerate of storage, toys, old boxes of memorabilia, and junk, captures our attention. As a design firm, we see the potential a completed basement could serve for you and your family and wanted to share a few ideas if you were up for one big project before the holidays that will enhance your lives!
MOVIE THEATER ROOM:
The first idea that usually comes to mind with a blank slate in the basement is a movie theater room/entertainment space. Somewhere to descend into another world and escape the chaos of life in a magical movie or show (unless your escape is horror… you do you!) The first thing to do would be to add carpeting if it isn't already there. This will help dampen the sound from bouncing around the room and will warm the room (in the case of living in Colorado, that is completely necessary!). Next, adding comfortable furniture that is also stain/kid-proof is a must. With sticky fingers from candy and dozens of popcorn kernel tossing contests, you'll need something easy to clean and functional while also cozy and aesthetically pleasing. Lastly, lighting in this room could bring it from "We didn't know what to do here, so here's a TV and a couch" to "Wow! Your basement feels like AMC!" We recommend hardwiring lighting along the ceiling for low light and backlighting, doing LEDs on the floor underneath the sofa, and LEDs that match the color aesthetic behind the TV. You could even wire it all to connect to your Alexa or Google and tell it to "turn on movie time" to dim all the lights. If you wanted to enter the movie theater style completely, you could pick your favorite family movies and find vintage-style prints and frame those with matching frames (which could also be backlit! There is limitless potential!) This option is perfect for movie lovers and at-home daters alike.
HOME GYM:
If lounging in a theater room full-time is not your go-to vibe, maybe you're the athletic type. A basement gym decked out with mirrors, balance bars, weights, speakers, and TVs could create so many health advantages in your day-to-day life. In the era of post-pandemic, you could find dozens of creative resell options to fill a basement with nice equipment that households no longer need. For this space, consider adding lighter LED puck lighting in the ceiling for adequate visuals, ensure there is proper ventilation, and add comfortable and cleanable flooring. Start by decluttering the space and removing any unnecessary items. Assess any workout equipment you already have and prioritize the pieces you use most frequently. Next, incorporate smart storage solutions to keep your workout equipment organized and easily accessible. Strategically place your larger workout equipment to maximize floor space and ensure a functional layout, and ensure there is enough space to walk around safely. If this is somewhat overwhelming, that's what we are here for!
HIDDEN SPEAKEASY:
Another entertainment option for your empty basement space would be a prohibition-themed hidden speakeasy. As a designer, I've always wanted to somehow incorporate a hidden door or bookshelf, so maybe you can do that on my behalf with this idea! Transforming your basement into a clandestine haven reminiscent of this glamorous time requires careful attention to detail. Incorporate vintage furniture, such as plush velvet armchairs, tufted leather sofas, and ornate bar stools, to set the tone of elegance. Dim lighting plays a crucial role in creating an intimate atmosphere, so consider utilizing vintage-inspired pendant lights or sconces with warm, soft illumination. A custom bar can serve as the centerpiece of your speakeasy, complete with a beautiful countertop, brass accents, and a wide selection of spirits. Enhance the ambiance with unique decor pieces like antique glassware, framed vintage posters, and a wall-mounted gramophone. Combining these elements will transport you and your guests to an enchanting era, evoking a sense of secrecy, indulgence, and pure sophistication! Then invite your designer to come to celebrate with you once it is all completed.
GAME ROOM:
If you need a kid-friendly option, consider a full-scale, action-packed game room! Imagine the sheer joy of having a dedicated space in your basement where friends and family can gather for hours of gaming excitement. Showcase popular game options like a sleek pool table, high-energy foosball, and nostalgic arcade machines that add an element of nostalgia. Optimizing the space is key, ensuring there's ample room for gameplay and comfortable movement. Consider a social layout that encourages interaction and camaraderie, arranging seating areas strategically around the games.
Lastly, if all of these options sound equally appealing and you have the space for it, why stop at one thing? You could use this space to function as a versatile and entertaining conglomerate of everything. To achieve this, consider zoning the space effectively, using dividers or rugs to visually separate different areas while maintaining an open and cohesive feel. Optimize storage solutions to keep the space organized and clutter-free, such as built-in cabinets, floating shelves, or storage ottomans that double as seating. Incorporate flexible furniture pieces like folding tables or modular desks that can be easily rearranged to suit different activities. By embracing a versatile basement design, you'll create a dynamic space that effortlessly transitions from a productive work environment to a lively entertainment hub, allowing you to make the most of every square inch of your basement while catering to your diverse lifestyle needs.
Whether you're a movie enthusiast longing for a magical movie theater room, a fitness fanatic in need of a home gym, a fan of prohibition-era glamour dreaming of a hidden speakeasy, or a gaming aficionado seeking an action-packed game room, the possibilities are endless. So, roll out the red carpet, pump up the music, and get started on transforming your basement into a space that will bring joy, relaxation, and endless entertainment to you and your loved ones. And don't forget to contact HouseHome if you need any help bringing this all together!
Check back at the end of the month for our next set of amazing Basement Ideas and Transformations!
Shout out to the lovely designers and photogaphers from some of these spaces that we LOVE and have used in our blog post this week!
Jen Woodhouse and Andor Willow - Theatre Room
Stephen Karlisch and Sharyn Cairns - Home Gym
The DIY Playbook and HouseHome - Speakeasy
Chris Loves Julia and Southern Living - Game Room